Time Distribution Switch for Power Grid Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precision time sources in electric power transmission and distribution systems are susceptible to failures due to factors like spoofing, jamming, and system outages, which can lead to inaccurate time synchronization and compromised protection and control functions in power systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting failures in precision time sources, where time distribution devices receive multiple precision time signals from various sources, determine the best available time source, and switch to an alternative if the primary source fails, using a time quality module to monitor and compare time signals for accuracy and reliability, ensuring continuous and accurate time reference distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single precision time source is used for time synchronization, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability is reduced due to susceptibility to failures from spoofing, jamming, and system outages
Solution Approach 1:
The time distribution system is segmented into multiple independent time sources (primary, secondary, and backup sources) rather than relying on a single source. Each source operates independently and can be evaluated separately by the time quality module, allowing the system to maintain reliability while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring and evaluating the quality and status of multiple time sources before a failure occurs. The time quality module assesses signal characteristics, stability, and potential threats (spoofing/jamming) in advance, enabling proactive switching to backup sources before primary source failure impacts synchronization
2Reliability
If multiple precision time sources are monitored and compared, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The time distribution device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single time quality module performs multiple functions: monitoring multiple time sources, evaluating signal quality, detecting spoofing/jamming, and controlling switching operations. This universal approach improves reliability through comprehensive monitoring while containing complexity by consolidating functions into one integrated module rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the time quality module continuously evaluates time source signals and provides feedback control to the switch. Based on real-time assessment of signal quality, stability, and threat detection, the feedback loop automatically adjusts the selected time source, improving reliability through adaptive monitoring while managing complexity through closed-loop control
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of time source quality is performed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases due to constant evaluation and comparison operations
Solution Approach 1:
The time quality module performs periodic evaluation of time source signals rather than continuous monitoring at maximum intensity. The system assesses signal quality, stability, and potential threats at optimized intervals, maintaining high measurement precision for time source selection while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding constant full-power evaluation operations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting the failure of a precision time source using an independent time source are disclosed. Additionally, detecting the failure of a GNSS based precision time source based on a calculated location of a GNSS receiver is disclosed. Moreover, the system may be further configured to distribute a time derived from the precision time source as a precision time reference to time dependent devices. In the event of a failure of the precision time source, the system may be configured to distribute a time derived from a second precision time source as the precision time signal during a holdover period.